Originally Posted By: jcwit
I have failing kidneys, at this point not quite bad enough for dialysis but getting there. Wondering what are the thoughts of anyone here who is on dialysis or has any experience with it.
Its not like I'm young, I'm 72 with other problems. So lets hear from you'al out their.
My father was on dialysis for years. The kidney failure started because was diabetic and non-compliant with blood sugar issues. Eventually his kidneys failed and he needed dialysis. It knocked him out, cold. Additionally, he suffered from all sorts of port related issues. He'd have a port installed, and it would get infected rapidly. The docs tried to make a few "shunts" where they could insert the dialysis needles. That was a battle in itself, with multiple failures, and excessive pain.
Dad would complain that the staff in the dialysis center was rude and incompetent, and that some patients would "disappear" . He'd later learn that they skipped a session and died.
Dad had quite a battle with the entire situation. He'd get the flu and be utterly unable to make it there. Or his driver would not show up. Then they would refuse to take him the next day and they were closed on the weekend. Leading to many close calls and hospitalizations.
Eventually, dad's health deteriorated and he chose to avoid Friday dialysis, choosing instead to be with his close friend, knowing there was zero chance of weekend help. He died on Sunday.
From my non-medical point of view, it's to be avoided as long as possible. There are also other options that may provide better results.
Dad was not a candidate for transplant due to his non-compliance with doctors orders and poor control of blood sugar.
My mother's new husband recently had a kidney transplant and he is still able to work! He goes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. He does have to be careful of germs, and does get sick. But good-god, he is doing far better than my father did on dialysis.
Also, it's my opinion that had my father been a far more compliant patient, his dialysis experience would have been far better and his life more full.
One example, he could have gone in the evening. Then gone home to sleep. Instead, he went in the AM, and suffered all day. He had 4 good days per week (non dialysis days)
I wish you the very best and I hope that my thoughts on the subject are not too depressing.
